Messolonghi and Philhellenism: two-day events

 

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, continue their collaboration with the aim of promoting the city as a constant beacon of Philhellenism.

In the context of the bicentenary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, 1826-2026, a memorial ceremony and tribute was organised dedicated to the fallen British officer Frank Abney Hastings, the admiral and commander of the emblematic corvette “Karteria”, the first steam-powered warship in world history designed in London and firstly used during the Greek War of Independence.

The event took place on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, at the historic site of the Frank Abney Hastings Monument in Aitoliko, in the city where in May 1828 the great Philhellene officer of our naval struggle was fatally wounded, in the context of the operations for the liberation of Messolonghi.

The event was welcomed by the Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr. Spyridon Diamantopoulos. Speeches were conducted first by the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, on the topic “Frank Abney Hastings and Philhellenism”, highlighting the deep, self-sacrificing contribution of the Admiral, as well as the overall impact of the philhellenic movement and international alliances on the outcome of the Revolution, and followed by the architect and engineer and Head of the Restoration of Ancient Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Michalis Lefantzis, on the topic “The “Karteria” and the action of the emblematic ship”, which focused on the technological pioneering and military action of the historic corvette that changed the course of naval battles forever.

The inauguration of the exhibition “Messolonghi, City of Liberty and Ecumene” at the Trikoupion Cultural Center of the Sacred City of Messolonghi followed on Sunday, May 24th, 2026.

The first exhibition presented at the Trikoupion Cultural Center is an extensive tribute to Philhellenism with the collaboration of the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi and the Philhellenism Museum, and the support of the Hellenic Parliament.

The inauguration ceremony was held by the Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr. Spyridon Diamantopoulos, the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas and the collector Mr. Nikitas Stavrinakis.

The exhibition presents, through more than a hundred original rare exhibits, the historical dimension of the events of the Exodus, which determined the development of international Philhellenism during the 19th century.

The curator of the exhibition, Mr. Thodoris Koutsogiannis, Dr. of Art History and Curator of the Art Collection of the Hellenic Parliament, guided visitors through the important historical documents and works of art, analysing the iconography of the era and highlighting the impact that the Exodus of Messolonghi had on an international level.

The exhibition will last until July 2026, constituting a central point of reference for visitors to the city. Masterpieces of philhellenic art by internationally acclaimed artists and rare original documents of the Revolution are exhibited for the very first time in the Sacred City of Messolonghi in the context of the 200th anniversary of the Exodus, 1826-2026.
The exhibits come from the Collection of the Philhellenism Museum, while special honorary participation is given to the collectors Evangelos Angelakos, Konstantinos Arniakos, Nikitas Stavrinakis and Nikos Lyros, whom we warmly thank for their kind response.

The exhibition is held with the support of the Hellenic Parliament and the kind sponsorship of AEGEAS AMKE, Lilian Voudouri Foundation, George and Victoria Karelia Foundation, Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism.

 

Information: info@phmus.org

Invitation to the opening of an exhibition in Messolonghi

 

The Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi Spyridon V. Diamantopoulos and the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism Constantinos Velentzas cordially invite you to the opening of the exhibition “Messolonghi City of Liberty and Ecumene” at the Trikoupio Cultural Center of the Sacred City of Messolonghi on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The periodical exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi and the Philhellenism Museum, presents the international impact of the Exodus of Messolonghi in 1826 and the enormous wave of support for the struggling Greeks, as it broke out in Europe and America.

Unique works of Philhellenic art and rare documents of the Struggle of Greeks and Philhellenes are exhibited for the first time in the Sacred City of Messolonghi in the context of the historical 200th anniversary of the Exodus, 1826-2026.

The exhibition is conducted with the kind support of the Hellenic Parliament and the kind sponsorship of the AEGEAS AMKE, the Lilian Voudouri Foundation, the George and Victoria Karelia Foundation, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, the Ioannis S. Latsis Public Welfare Foundation, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism.

Information: info@phmus.org

 

Memorial ceremony at the Philhellenes’ Monument in Athens

 

In collaboration with the War Museum, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, erected the Philhellenes’ Monument on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue a few months ago, implementing a unanimous decision of the Fourth National Assembly in 1829 in Argos (Resolution 8).

The Monument has engraved names of 2,000 Philhellenes, activists and volunteers, who supported the Greek War of Independence, even sacrificing their own lives, and is now an emblematic landmark in the center of Athens, contributing to the historical commemoration of the solidarity of nations in the defense of freedom and of Western civilisation.

Philhellenism was an unprecedented and unique phenomenon of solidarity and activism that united peoples during the 19th century, and led to the creation of the modern Greek state. Nowadays, enduring Philhellenism reminds us that the constant focus on Greek culture remains the thread that unites people in the defense of ecumenical human values.

Philhellenism promotes freedom, democracy, the rule of law and international solidarity in public life. Relations built with faith over time deserve our respect and highlighting them as bright spots on humanitarian grounds. In today’s complex world, peace, security, the prevention of international conflicts, migration, climate change, the digital revolution, continue to have as a common priority the protection of human rights and freedom.

The War Museum and the SHP / Philhellenism Museum co-organise an annual memorial ceremony at the Philhellenes’ Monument.

On this basis, on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, the first ceremony in memory of the Philhellenes was held with the laying of wreaths and a floral tribute, with the participation of the Hellenic Parliament and the embassies in Greece of the Philhellenes’ countries of origin.

In particular, the ceremony was held in the presence of the representative of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, MP Mr. Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, the representative of the Chief of General Staff and General Staff of the Hellenic Army, Inspector General of the Army, Lieutenant General Mr. Stavros Papastathopoulos, the representative of the Chief of General Staff, Commander of the Hellenic Army, Mr. Athanasios Notaras, the representative of the Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General Mr. Theodoros Papanikolopoulos.

H.E. Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Andreas Kindl and Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Håkan Emsgård paid tribute to the names of their ancestors, while the US Embassy was represented by Mr. Sung W. Choi, the British Embassy by the Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Robyn Goldsmith, the Embassy of Spain by the Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Reyes Fernández Bulnes, the Embassy of France by the Defence Attaché Mr. Arnaut Lacote, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland by the Third Secretary Ms. Aleksandra Olenderek, the Embassy of Romania by the Consul Ms. Laura Borza, the Embassy of Hungary by Ms. Gabriella Kállay, the Embassy of Portugal by Ms. Andreia Almeida. On behalf of H.E. Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation Mr. Stefan Estermann and Ambassador of Austria Ms. Gerda Vogl tribute paid by the president of the SHP and Philhellenism Museum, Brigadier General (Hon.), Mr. Constantinos Velentzas.

The ceremony was also attended by two important historical municipalities of the country, in which Philhellenes volunteers have left their mark. The Municipality of Sacred City of Messolonghi by the representative of the mayor, Mr. Stathis Tsekouras, and the Municipality of Peta Arta by the representative of the mayor and president of the Peta Association, Mr. Georgios Kakaniaris.

The President of the War Museum, Lieutenant General Mr. Konstantinos Karamesinis and the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, as hosts and co-organisers, emphasized the importance of the erection of the Philhellenes’ Monument in Athens as an act that implements the relevant decision of the Fourth National Assembly of Argos, while announcing that the ceremony will now be an annual institution with the aim of strengthening the events for Philhellenism Day.

 

Information:
SHP | Philhellenism Museum
12 Zissimopoulou Str., 11524 Athens
Τ. +30 2108094750
info@eefshp.org & info@phmus.org
www.eefshp.org | www.phmus.org

 

The Philhellenism Museum at This Is Athens City Festival 2026

 

The Philhellenism Museum collaborates with the City of Athens for another year and participates in the This Is Athens City Festival 2026.

Sundays 10 and 17 May 2026 are dedicated to the people who loved Greece and sacrificed for its freedom. The action “In the Footsteps of the Philhellenes” offers a live guided tour of the heart of Athens, connecting emblematic landmarks with the personalities that sealed the Greek War of Independence.

Participants will, among other things, follow a route that includes:

– The Russian Church and the Anglican Church (where the remains of Frank Abney Hastings are kept).
– The historic district of Plaka, the Church residence, the Finley residence and the Hill School.
– Spots and stops at the emblematic sculpture of Lord Byron, the bust of Eynard and the Monument of Lysicrates.
– References to the sieges of the Acropolis.

 

Dates: 10 & 17 May 2026

Hours: 11:00 – 13:00

Meeting point: Rallou Manou Square at the Russian Church of Athens (Syntagma)

Free admission with reservation required.

Reservations: send your name, title/capacity, mobile number and email to info@phmus.org

The guided tour will be conducted in Greek language.

 

Sponsors:

    

 

9 May 2026 at 11.00 a.m., Wreath-laying at the Philhellenes’ Monument

 

Philhellenism Day is commemorated annually on 19 April, marking the anniversary of Lord Byron’s passing in Messolonghi in 1824. Established in 2008 by Presidential Decree, this day honours the international volunteers and activists who supported the Greek War of Independence, inspired by the enduring values of Philhellenism.

In collaboration with the War Museum, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) has erected a monument on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue dedicated to these individuals. This initiative fulfills a unanimous resolution passed by the 4th National Assembly in 1829. The monument pays tribute to approximately 2.000 emblematic Philhellenes who dedicated, and often sacrificed, their lives for Greece’s liberation.

Starting by this year, we cordially invite you on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at 11:00, for a floral tribute at the Philhellenes’ Monument, to pay tribute to the heroes and heroines who fought for our shared ideals and the fundamental rights of our civilisation. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. A presentation of the monument will follow.

Please, confirm your attendance or the presence of a representative, by contacting us at info@eefshp.org

 

Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki visits the Philhellenism Museum

 

The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, visited the Philhellenism Museum and had a guided tour of its collections.

The Minister was informed about the classical education received by most Philhellenes who supported the Greek War of Independence in their countries, or arrived in Greece as volunteers to fight for its freedom, and the pivotal role it had in promoting the Philhellenic movement. The visit took place in the context of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, which was the pinnacle moment of the Greek War of Independence.

Ms. Zacharaki expressed her admiration for the large-scale oil painting of the “School of Athens”, the most famous work of the Italian painter and architect of the early Renaissance, Raphael, a rare reproduction of which is exhibited at the Philhellenism Museum. The figures of Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Euclid, Thucydides, as well as Apollo and Athena, embody the classical spirit of antiquity and underline the timeless value of classical education.

Contact: info@phmus.org